Dadoji Konddeo statue: Raj Thackeray accuses Congress-NCP of playing 'caste politics'

MNS chief Raj Thackeray today accused the Congress-NCP of playing "caste politics" in unceremoniously removing Dadoji Konddeo's statue from Lal Mahal in Pune.

Talking to reporters, Raj said the Congress-NCP had used the controversy over role of Dadoji Konddeo in Chhatrapati Shivaji's life to divert attention from more important issues like the price rise.

"Historians from outside the state have chronicled Shivaji's life on many occasions and their account has never put any black spot on the legendary Maratha warrior's life. I wonder if controversial author James Laine was given information by these same people who are instrumental in removing the statue from the museum," Raj said.

According to him, by resorting to such tactics, the Congress-NCP was "maligning" the image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

"What reason will you give when you are asked why the statue of Dadoji Konddev was removed. What was the harm if Shahaji's statue was installed along with Dadoji and Shivaji," he asked.

"According to history, Dadoji Konddeo entered Shivaji's life when he was seven years old," Raj said adding that his party had opposed the move in the Pune civic body and would resort to massive agitation if the need arises.

The Congress-NCP coalition which rules the Pune civic body had passed a resolution removal of the statue of Konddev who is considered as the "guru" of Shivaji Maharaj. Accordingly, the statue was removed last night.